Category: Patriotism

Liberty

libertyI’m an American and the principle of having liberty is deep within my heart, I want to be left alone to succeed or fail without an army of bureaucrats coming in and interfering. I have an awesome mother and do not need the government to act as a helicopter mom for me. From the things I eat, the cars I drive, to the light bulbs I use, I want freedom! Leave me alone and I’ll leave everyone else alone

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However, in discussing liberty in 1 Corinthians 10, Paul informs believers that we sometimes must voluntarily give up our freedom for the sake of the people we are with. In Corinth, most meat markets were selling meat from pagan temples. After blood or portions of animals were used in sacrifices, the rest would be sold at the market. Paul discussed the fact that the Corinthians were free to eat whatever they wanted with thanksgiving, He also advised that if their host mentioned the food had first been offered to idols, then for the conscience of their host, they should abstain. By mentioning it, the host obviously assumed it would be sinful to eat. The dilemma for the believer was to eat because it wasn’t sinful and be viewed to be an idol worshiper, or to abstain and fulfill the expectations of the host. A believer’s testimony would be hurt if he ate after being warned. Paul concluded the discussion this way, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (‭I Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭31-33‬ NKJV)

In our efforts to influence people for Christ, we sometimes will have to limit our freedoms. Instead of blatantly flaunting our freedom from ritualistic laws and customs, we need to consider the effect of our actions on the audience. Ultimately, we are advised to do all for the glory of God. Instead if seeking our own profit, we should seek the profit of all, “that they might be saved.”

Although I love my liberty, I will sacrifice it temporarily in order to win someone to Christ, After that, I will work on helping them embrace liberty as well.

Never Forget

Memorial_Day_at_Arlington_National_Cemetery

On Monday, we paused to celebrate Memorial Day.  It is viewed by many as the start of summer.  Even though most students have a week or two of school left, their minds are already on getting out.  People fire up the grills and take to the outdoors.  For many, it is a day off and gives us a long weekend.   While all of that isn’t bad, it misses the reason this day was set aside.  Memorial Day is like many other holidays in that we have forgotten the reason we celebrate.  Our celebrations and spending have washed away the reason for the day.

Memorial Day is a day to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who paid for our freedom by paying the ultimate price.   Our military is blessed to have men and women who have chosen to stand on wall in harm’s way so that we can enjoy freedom and safety.  They take an oath to put their lives on the line so we can remain secure in our homes from enemies both foreign and domestic.

Why?  What is it that makes these young people grow up and volunteer to risk it all for us?  Did you and I do anything to deserve it?  Can we ever repay them and their families?  I can’t totally answer that question.  They did it out of a sense of duty.  For love of country and desire to protect our freedom, they put on the uniform and go into harm’s way.

President Harry S Truman said, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.  They have earned our undying gratitude.  America will never forget their sacrifices.

I agree that we can never repay them the debt we owe. Thousands of brave men and women gave up their lives for us.   Even though we can’t repay them, I believe we should try.  We honor them by remembering their sacrifice.  Never let them be forgotten.  We honor them by loving our country as they did.  We honor them by supporting the families of the fallen, and their brothers and sisters who still serve.

Let us never forget them.  Even though Memorial Day has passed for another year, we should keep their memory alive. Evert time we celebrate our freedom and enjoy our prosperity, let us pause to say a prayer for their families.  Let us also pray for those who still stand on that line every day for us.

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